After accusations of sexual misconduct and other abuse, head of the New York City Ballet Peter Martins announced his retirement Monday, The New York Times reported.

“I have denied, and continue to deny, that I have engaged in any such misconduct,” Martins, 71, said in his letter informing the board. “I cooperated fully in the investigation and understand it will be completed shortly.

"I believe its findings would have vindicated me.”

Though the chairman of the ballet's board thanked Martin for his years with the company, he also cited the ongoing investigation.

“At the same time, the board takes seriously the allegations that have been made against him and we expect the independent investigation of those allegations to be completed soon," Charles W. Scharf said.